Florida legislators are considering new safety regulations for electric bicycles amid growing concerns about crashes and unsafe riding practices.

Two companion bills, HB 243 and SB 382, would mandate that riders of Class 3 e-bikes—which can reach speeds up to 28 miles per hour—possess either a driver’s license or a learner’s permit. The proposed legislation would also establish fines for riders who modify their e-bikes to exceed the manufacturer’s speed limit.

Under the bills, vehicles with motors of 750 watts or more capable of exceeding 28 mph would be reclassified as “electric motorcycles,” requiring registration and licensing similar to traditional motorcycles.

Drew Pomeroy, owner of EBike Adventures of St. Pete, expressed mixed feelings about the proposals. While he supports measures to improve safety, particularly given that many young riders lack knowledge of traffic rules, he also expressed concerns about older riders who may not have a driver’s license and depend on e-bikes for transportation.

Medical professionals and law enforcement have reported increased crashes and injuries as e-bike popularity has grown. The legislation comes as the Tampa Bay area has experienced multiple fatal accidents involving e-bikes.

If passed, the new regulations may not take effect until 2027. A previously filed bill would require helmet use for e-bike riders under 18.

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